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Discover a vibrant and nutritious meal with our California Quinoa and Veggie Bowl topped with a zesty Lemon Tahini Dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish combines fresh vegetables, hearty quinoa, and a tangy sauce to delight your taste buds and fuel your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lemon Tahini Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons water (more if needed)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
- Salt to taste
Preparation
Start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare the Lemon Tahini Dressing by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, maple syrup, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust the water to reach your desired consistency.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red onion. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drizzle the Lemon Tahini Dressing over the bowl and toss again to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado on top.
Serving Suggestions
This California Quinoa and Veggie Bowl is best served immediately for maximum freshness. It can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
Health Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from quinoa, healthy fats from avocado, and a variety of vitamins from fresh vegetables. The Lemon Tahini Dressing adds a boost of flavor without excess calories, making this a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.